Larson's case exemplifies D.C.'s complicated legal system. The U.S. Attorney for D.C. took years to investigate what happened, but opted not to charge anything since they largely look at felonies. It was then bumped to the D.C. Attorney General, but that's only misdemeanors.

Larson's death is another grim reminder that when pedestrians or cyclists are hit by drivers, only in the most egregious and reckless cases are significant charges filed. Otherwise, it's seen as an "accident," and legal consequences and justice can be harder to come by.

Maltas, still sobbing, was taken away in handcuffs to start serving her sentence. To say that the entire hearing was heavy and emotionally challenging is an understatement, and I'm just an outside observer.

The judge sentenced Maltas to the full 120 days, with all but 45 days suspended. Of the 45 days Maltas will serve in jail, she will be allowed to do daily work release to fulfill 200 hours of community service in performing arts and environment, issues close to Larson's heart.

The D.C. judge said he struggled with what punishment for Maltas was most appropriate to bring some justice and closure to Larson's family while recognizing the specifics of what happened. He said it had to be "appropriately punitive but as meaningful as it can be."

Maltas' attorney also said that it was her first offense, that she had not worked since the crash, and that the D.C. Jail would be unable to treat her condition were she to be held there.

Maltas' attorney asked the judge not to send her to jail. "Ms. Maltas has been under the care of a doctor because she has survivors guilt. She has PTSD. She is overborne with remorse," she said. As she spoke, Maltas was cradled by a friend and sobbed.

Lawyers from the D.C. Attorney General's office and Larson's family asked for the full sentence: 120 days in jail for Maltas for the two charges, one of reckless driving, the other of failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk.

"D.C. made her roadkill," said Larson's brother. "Her death left a rift in our family I don't think will ever heal. The world is an uglier and bleaker place."

"She was my confidante, my sounding board, my fashion consultant. She was my everything," said Larson's mother, Matilde.

During the hearing, Larson's best friend, brother, and mother spoke of the impact of her death. They said the aspiring opera singer was kind and gentle, with "emotional intelligence beyond her years," according to her older brother.

Today Virginia resident Sophia Maltas was sentenced to 45 days in jail for hitting and killing 24-year-old Nina Larson as she was crossing Columbia Road NW in a crosswalk in November 2021. The sentencing hearing was emotionally wrenching and difficult.